Emergency Responders Needed! CERT Offers Free Course.

Over the past few years, Westport has weathered some severe storms. The recent anniversary of 9/11 reminds us: We never know when disaster will strike.

As a coastal community not far from New York, we have to be ready for anything.

Thanks to CERT, we are.

The organization — known formally as the Community Emergency Response Team — is a group of specially trained volunteer emergency responders. They provide aid during and after hurricanes, blizzards, power and communication failures, you name it. If Westport needs help, CERT is there.

Westport CERT volunteers, at a recent training session.

They’re there for non-emergencies too. CERT assists at big public events, like the Compo Beach fireworks and Maker Faire.

Now they’re expanding their services.

Over the next few months, CERT will offer education programs in personal preparedness, active shooter awareness and response, and situations involving domestic and international terrorism.

A free class — open to the public — will be held starting the evening of Friday, October 18, and continuing that weekend. It covers disaster psychology, fire control, rescue, shelter management, first aid, CPR and more.

Local residents who want to become CERT volunteers are encouraged to attend.